Mom and Daughter Empower Women Through Media and Bra Fitting

Hannah Ferguson addresses prime ministers and runs a media company with over 4 million followers, while her mom Phillipa Mitchell fits bras in regional Australia. Both insist they're doing completely different work, but their missions tell another story.

Ferguson co-founded Cheek Media at age 21, creating a platform that breaks down politics and news into digestible content for young Australians. During the 2025 election campaign, more than 4 million people turned to Cheek for commentary, launching Hannah into national political discourse.

Meanwhile, back in Orange, New South Wales, Phillipa works as a professional bra fitter, visiting schools and partnering with breast care nurses. When Hannah points out this work is political, Phillipa simply calls it "community service."

The two women don't always agree, and that's exactly how they like it. Growing up, Hannah experienced what she calls the perfect temperature check between diverse western Sydney and conservative regional NSW, giving her perspective that shapes her work today.

"My parents valued my contribution to the conversation as if I was an adult and their equal," Hannah said. By year four, she was already declaring the Electoral Commission her favorite part of school trips, more interested in preferential voting than typical kid attractions.

That early foundation in open dialogue prepared her for both the opportunities and challenges ahead. Last year, Ferguson announced her run for the NSW Senate as an independent at the National Press Club, then took Cheek on a live tour across Australia.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story special isn't just Hannah's meteoric rise or Phillipa's dedication to women's health. It's how they've created space for disagreement while maintaining deep respect.

When Hannah started receiving death threats, Phillipa's response was characteristically pragmatic. "I didn't like that it happened, but I feel like it had to happen," she told her daughter, recognizing it as preparation for the bruising world of politics.

Their relationship proves that empowering women doesn't require agreement on methods or politics. Whether through breaking down complex policy on Instagram or ensuring women feel confident and supported in their bodies, both women are creating change in their own ways.

Hannah still comes home to Orange whenever she can, drawn by the wood smoke and crisp air, but mostly by the grounding conversations with parents who challenge her thinking. Her truck driver father in Queensland provides daily support and insight into audiences beyond her usual demographic.

Together, this family shows that lifting others up can look different for everyone, and those differences make the work stronger.